Larry Barnes: Home

Larry Barnes’ music has been featured on festivals and concert series in North America, Asia and Europe. His music has been described by The New York Times as “showing a fine sensitivity,” and by The Village Voice as “lovely and remarkably controlled in its performance.”

Barnes is the recipient of the Cleveland Orchestra Premiere Award, a National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship and 28 ASCAP awards. His Toccata: Act of War for solo piano, inspired by the horrific events of 9-11-2001, was released in 2007 on Capstone Records by the Society of Composers, Inc., and on MSR Recordings performed by Gregory Partain.

Barnes's music is also recorded on Black Phone and MMC record labels. His compositions are published by Southern Music, Brazinmusikanta, and See-Saw Music. His many commissions include music for Bertram Turetzky, Lexington Chamber Chorale and the Quadrant Ensemble.

In 2008 he completed a full score for "Euphoria," which took the Gold Award for Documentary at the Houston Film Festival. Barnes is currently professor of music and Bingham Fellow for Excellence in Teaching at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where he teaches courses in music theory, composition, world music and jazz/rock history.

Tai Chi music for sale! - May 30, 2011

I've composed music especially for the short form Tai Chi 24, and the long form Tai Chi 64. The short form music follows the form with melodic reminders, and ends with you as you practice! The long form music is a beautiful combination of natural ambiance with quiet instrumental accompaniment - perfect for tuning out the noise of the outside world, or entering a rainforest of sound to imagine as you move through the form. The last track is nearly 30 minutes and is perfect for a sitting meditation.

Tour in Ecuador August 2010 - January 12, 2011

In August of 2010. I traveled to Ecuador as the Kentucky Ecuador Partners Musician of the year. I presented a history of American Popular Music in Quito and Ambato. In Ambato and Riobamba I offered a two-day workshop on composing an American pop song. I also performed concerts of my original music in Ambato and Quito. The concert included my "Rainsongs" for flute and harp; "Behind the Golden Door" for piano and electronic sounds; and music from the 2009 release of my soundtrack for the film "Euphoria" which took the gold award for documentary at the Houston Film Festival. At the final concert in Quito, 1000 people attended! We had to play the concert twice due to the small size of the hall, and everyone waited! To be chosen as the one artist from Kentucky for 2010 was a singular honor, and I fell in love with the country and its people. I returned to Ecuador after Christmas and celebrated New Years Day 2011 in Banos. I feel now that I have a second home in this beautiful country.

Larry

ASCAP Winner 2010 - January 12, 2010

Winner of ASCAPLUS award for contributions to American music 2010. A small monetary award, but the recognition is nice. This was for the year that I composed "Songs of the Seasons" for the Lexington Chamber Chorale, "Galway Dreams" for viola and piano, and new ambient music for Tai Chi 24 and 64 forms.